Spit-Gate Causes Minor Stir Before Eagles-Cowboys Matchup

Philadelphia Eagles website and internal media guy, Dave Spadaro, has further fanned the flames of the rivalry between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys by spitting not once, but twice on the hallowed star inside Cowboys Stadium this past week.

Though I have spoken to some knucklehead Birds’ fans over the years that would have probably done worse, Spadaro’s behavior is egregious because he is a paid representative of the team. To me, spitting is disgusting, but if that is how Spuds—as he likes to call himself—wants to project himself, then that is his own prerogative. However, there are consequences.

“I admit I get carried away with my love of the Philadelphia Eagles, and if this is a crime, I am clearly guilty.”

Spadaro also said, “Acting alone, and without permission from the Eagles organization, I walked out to the middle of the field at Cowboys Stadium and spit on the Cowboys star, and for that I deeply apologize to the outstanding Cowboys organization and the fine people there, from Jerry Jones to the rest of the team.” He concluded by saying, “I acted in an unprofessional manner and I am deserving of the punishment coming my way.”

I am sure that the team will have more to say when the men in charge, owner Jeffrey Lurie and right-hand man Joe Banner, get involved. Mind you, this is the same team that fired a part-time worker for posting negative comments about the team on Facebook after veteran player Brian Dawkins left for Denver. But don’t expect anything other than a slap on the wrist.

Everyone in Philly always knew Spadaro was a “homer” and sometimes the team apologist. Especially when he said things over the years about notorious underachievers Freddie Mitchell, Matt McCoy, and Jerome McDougal not being bad draft picks.

But spitting on another NFL franchise’s symbol with such disdain and posting it on the web (it has since been removed) is an entirely different story. I wonder how Eagles’ Nation would feel if former Cowboy and current Fox analyst Troy Aikman filmed himself spitting on the Eagles’ emblem in the middle of Lincoln Financial Field.

I cannot wait for Saturday’s Wild Card matchup to see if Spadaro’s actions carry over to the field, similar to how former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan’s antics did during his tenure in Philadelphia. After awhile, I don’t expect anyone involved with the game (players and coaches) will care, but I know the emotions of fans from both sides will be heightened by Spadaro’s unnecessary display.